Directed to comply with order, show cause within 21 days; Co told to follow procedure under Rule 121 for appeal
MARGAO
After late Thursday night’s fire accident at the Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd gunpowder storage unit at Naqueri-Betul, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has suspended the licences issued to the company for storage as well as carriage of the gun powder.
Officials of PESO, government of India, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, are expected to visit Goa and inspect the site at Naqueri on Saturday.
PESO has stated that due to the accident, the magazine is not safe for use, adding that the incident amounts to violation of Rule 118(2)(ii) and 131 of the Explosives Rules, 2008.
PESO has suspended the licences issued to Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, Bangalore–Karnataka following a report submitted by the South Goa district Collector, Egna Cleetus to the organisation.
In a communiqué issued by PESO, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives R Rawat to the company, he stated that the subject licence granted for road van for carriage of explosives is suspended as an interim measure as per the provisions of Section 6€ of the Explosives Act, 1884 and Rule 118(5) of the Explosives Rules, 2008.
The company has been further told to show cause within 21 days from the date of the communiqué why the licence should not be cancelled. The company has been further told to comply with the order and follow the procedure under Rule 119 of the Explosives Rules, 2008 regarding the disposal of explosives in its possession. The company has been further told to follow the procedure under Rule 121 for appeal.
Asked to shed light on PESO’s action in the matter, South Goa district Collector, Egna Cleetus informed that PESO’s action has come following a report submitted by her office post-fire accident at Naqueri-Betul. She said PESO has issued two separate communiqué to Hughes Precision Company, suspending the licences for the storage and carriage of gun powder. “I had personally visited the site late Thursday night to oversee the operations by the agencies. The fire to the magazine was immediately brought under control. PESO officials will come and inspect the site to ascertain the causes behind the fire accident,” she added.
Collector prohibits entry at site
MARGAO: Following late Thursday night’s fire accident at a gunpowder storage dump at Naqueri-Betul, South Goa district Collector Egna Cleetus has issued an order on Friday prohibiting the entry of people at the site of Hughes Precision Magazine No.1 (Old) Naqueri-Quepem.
The order issued under section 163 of the BNS, 2023 has come into force with immediate effect within 800 mtrs of the radius, until further orders.
The order was issued based on a report submitted by Cuncolim police stating that of the two magazines (storage units) located in Sy.No.82/1, Naqueri, of Hughes Precision, Magazine No. 1 (Old) has caught fire and that the fire services staff of Cuncolim reached at the spot and extinguished the fire.
The magazines belongs to M/s Hughes Precision Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, situated at Verna and in the above magazine they are storing Propellant (gun powder) which is required for the manufacturing of small caliber ammunition.
“It is further informed that there was total 14.5 tonnes approx propellant stored in magazine No. 1, which has got destroyed in the accident,” the order stated.
The Collector stated there is every apprehension that there is a likelihood of danger to life and livelihood and the incident might create disturbance to peace and tranquillity in the area and therefore people are not allowed near the incident site until Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation gives a clearance.
“It is necessary to take exigent measures in this regard so as to prevent any danger to human life or safety and security of public property and which may affect the overall security and may create disturbance of larger public order and tranquillity,” the order stated while issuing a warning that any person contravening the order shall be liable for punishment under Section 223 of the BNS, 2023.
